President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has commended the multi-award-winning music veteran, Koffi Olomide, for bagging the Legend Awards at the 2021 All-Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).
Tshisekedi gave the commendation while hosting Olomide at the official residence at Camp Tshatshi Palace,
Kinshasa, on Monday, Feb.14, 2022, a statement signed by Chinonso Ihekire of the International Secretariat for AFRIMA, said on Tuesday.
Olomide is a multi-award-winning artiste and founder of the Quartier Latin International Orchestra. With over 30 studio albums to his credit.
The singer has carved a reputation as one of the fundamental growth pillars of the Congolese, and by extension, African music industry.
Olomide, the Soukous singer, presented his 24-carat gold-plated AFRIMA plaque to the president.
According to the president , the award is both a significant achievement for not just the singer, but
the entire country.
Tshisekedi, also awarded the 65-year-old Olomide as the country’s ambassador of culture and presented him with a diplomatic passport.
While receiving his diplomatic passport, Olomide promised to maintain a reputation worthy of emulation by African youths.
This appointment would see Olomide, who has been active in the Congolese music industry for over five decades, help boost DRC’s increasing attempts at repositioning its cultural and creative economy.
The Congolese Rumba was officially added to the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage list, in December 2021, sparking hope for the country’s cultural progression.
Since 2014, broadcast live to over 84 countries around the world and in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), AFRIMA is the ultimate recognition of Africa music globally.
The AFRIMA is a continental youth-focused music property that celebrates Africa, recognises and rewards the work and talents of myriad of African artistes across generations.
AFRIMA is committed to the stimulation of conversations among Africans and between Africa and the
rest of the world about the potential of the cultural and creative economy for real enterprise and job creation on the continent.
Thus, contributing significantly to social cohesion and continental integration as well as sustainable economic growth and development in Africa.
This is by lending its voice to promotion of education and campaign against extreme poverty and preventable diseases